How K-drama star Kim Ji Soo became part of GMA’s 'Black Rider'

South Korean actor Kim Ji Soo is the latest addition to the cast of GMA Network’s Ruru Madrid-led action drama “Black Rider.”

The Kapuso Network recently announced the collaboration on Instagram with a photo of the “oppa,” who’s best known for his roles in K-dramas such as “Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo,” “Strong Girl Bong-soon,” and “My First First Love,” among others.

“Kilalanin ang kanyang karakter sa primetime action-serye ng masa na #BlackRider!” wrote GMA News in the caption.

The “Abangan” teaser also showed a scene of Ji Soo flexing his handgun skills with Yassi Pressman’s character, Vanessa Romero, and a close encounter with the show’s antagonists led by Calvin Magallanes (played by Jon Lucas).

Ji Soo, meanwhile, reposted the teaser graphics of his upcoming project on his personal Instagram account.

As of writing, fans and viewers have yet to learn the extent of the K-drama actor’s role and story arc in the series topbilled by Ruru as Elias Guerrero.

But, in a statement to The STAR’s Entertainment section, GMA Public Affairs first vice president and GMA Pictures senior vice president Nessa Valdellon teased: “We are extremely excited about Kim Ji Soo's role in the finale of ‘Black Rider,’ especially since it marks his first appearance on Philippine TV in an action series.”

According to the GMA executive, the actor portrays “Adrian Park, a half-Filipino, half-Korean fighter who teaches Vanessa (played by Yassi) gunfighting techniques.”

“K-drama fans can look forward to a potential romantic rivalry, as Adrian might also vie for Vanessa's heart alongside Elias (Ruru Madrid) and Calvin (Jon Lucas).”

Talking about their on-set experience with the actor, Valdellon further told The STAR, “He’s a good actor! Making the effort to learn Filipino. At ‘crush ng bayan’ ng mga staff namin (laughs). So yes, we are very open to working with him again.”

Meanwhile, Ji Soo’s acting career in the Philippines is being managed by Universal Records Philippines’ managing director Kathleen Dy-Go.

In an e-mail interview with The STAR, she shared how this came about, “With the help of Tatang Robin and his company SHOW Co. Ltd., we managed to see an opportunity for Kim Ji Soo to showcase his skills and reinvent himself here in the Philippines while honing his English,” referring to Geong Seong Han, whose company also formed P-pop group SB19.

“We easily grabbed the opportunity to cast him on GMA’s hit primetime series, ‘Black Rider,’” added Dy-Go.

Talking more about the collaboration that saw the actor expanding to Philippine showbiz, she further shared, “Because I have a lot of industry friends with shared vision, we tried exploring opportunities to revitalize his career and introduce his talent to the Philippine market.

“Personally, we’re impressed with Ji Soo’s previous work and saw the potential for him to make a significant impact here. Discussions quickly turned into plans, and we decided to take the plunge.

“The Philippines has a vibrant and dynamic entertainment industry that appreciates diverse talent and fresh narratives so we think he’s a great fit.”

Dy-Go also mentioned the possibility of more projects for Ji Soo after his appearance in “Black Rider.”

“We’re looking forward to giving him more projects that’s truly worthwhile for an actor of his caliber,” she said.

“We are positive about the opportunities that are coming his way here in the Philippines and globally. I also want him to connect more with his Filipino fans.”

“Black Rider,” a primetime series revolving around the themes of heroism, revenge, justice and family, boasts of Erwin Tagle as action director, with Rommel Penesa and Richard Arellano as directors. The dramareceived the Bronze Medal at the 2024 New York Festivals TV & Film Awards under the Entertainment Program: Drama Category. —With a report from Lyka Nicart